Gowanus group offers reward for info on warehouse fire

Gowanus group offers reward for info on warehouse fire

Here's a look at the damage caused by the fire at the S.W. Bowne Grain Storehouse. Eagle photo by Lore Croghan

By Raanan Geberer

Brooklyn Daily Eagle

The Gowanus Landmarking Coalition is offering a $300 reward for information leading to an arrest in the June 14 fire at the S.W. Bowne Grain Storehouse that both FDNY and Councilmember Carlos Menchaca say may have been deliberately set.

“We are sad to have our strong suspicions confirmed but are not deterred from continuing to advocate for the protection of important sites in the Gowanus area – including the S.W. Bowne Grain Storehouse,” the coalition said in a statement.

The fire broke out in the historic building at 595-611 Smith St. days after community advocates met with Menchaca to discuss advancing efforts to landmark the site after neighborhood residents discovered unauthorized work being done on the building’s roof in May, according to Bklyner.

The coalition added that in light of an upcoming rezoning of the area, “these historic buildings are vulnerable to profound change and development pressures.” The warehouse is owned by Chetrit Group.